EKUHLENGENI HOSPITAL

TASK:
Refurbish and repair multiple buildings at Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital following extensive storm damage, including structural repairs, engineering upgrades, and aesthetic improvements.

PROJECT INFO:
In 2020, Urban Platform Architects and Planners were entrusted by the Department of Public Works to undertake critical refurbishment work at the Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Following a severe storm, various buildings within the hospital complex suffered significant damage, necessitating both structural and aesthetic repairs. The scope of work included the male and female wards, the pharmacy and therapy building, as well as the kitchen and administrative buildings, all of which were carefully restored to their full functionality.

The pharmacy building, having sustained the most extensive damage, required particularly detailed attention. Repairs involved comprehensive reconstruction efforts to address structural issues, as well as ensuring the building met operational standards upon completion. Beyond the individual structures, a substantial engineering effort focused on the hospital’s external stormwater system, upgrading it to better withstand future weather events and prevent similar occurrences.

Aesthetic improvements were a key component of the project, with new finishes applied throughout many of the restored buildings. This included repainting, new flooring, updated ceilings, fixed joinery, and modernized lighting installations. Additionally, roof repairs were completed along with the installation of new gutters and downpipes to ensure proper water management. The successful completion of this project not only restored the hospital’s infrastructure but also reinforced its resilience against future challenges.